Extensions for restricteds?
Tags: Chad Rinehart, Garrison Sanborn, Kraig Urbik, NFL free agency
Garrison Sanborn was the first of Buffalo’s three restricted free agents to re-up with the club. The question is will offensive linemen Chad Rinehart and Kraig Urbik also be extended something more than just a qualifying tender offer?
As restricted free agents, the club can hold onto your rights as a player by tendering a one-year qualifying offer. Upon signing that offer a player is tied to the club for at least one more season. Such was the case with TE Scott Chandler, who signed his one-year tender for the 2011 season last year.
Rinehart and Urbik both proved to be significant contributors on the interior of the offensive line solidifying the starting unit and providing valuable depth. It would not be shocking if Buffalo chose to get both linemen signed long term as well, though other offseason priorities could always play a factor in compromising that approach (e.g. Stevie Johnson, Fred Jackson, Scott Chandler, free agency, etc.).
Urbik surgery goes well
Tags: Kraig Urbik
Bills guard/center Kraig Urbik, who had surgery to repair a torn meniscus last Friday, told Buffalobills.com that the surgery went well.
“Everything came out great,” he said. ”It was not as bad as they thought it was. Recovery time is going to be a lot quicker. So about three weeks.”
Urbik was already up on his feet even though the stitches were still in his right knee. He said he’ll be full go for spring workouts, but he’s also a restricted free agent. He said he’d like to be back after earning a starting job at right guard.
Urbik to be good by mid-Feb.
Tags: Kraig Urbik
Bills guard/center Kraig Urbik, who went down with a knee injury in last Saturday’s game is out for this week, but fortunately won’t be facing a long offseason rehabilitation.
Urbik told Buffalobills.com that he suffered a torn meniscus in his knee, which will require a clean up surgery. That procedure will be performed on Friday.
Urbik said he should be running again by mid-February.
Injury updates
Tags: Chan Gailey, Demetrius Bell, Kamark Aiken, Kraig Urbik, Mike Caussin
Even though the win over the Broncos was a resounding one for Buffalo it did not come without a price.
Buffalo lost OL Kraig Urbik, TE Mike Caussin and LT Demetrius Bell to injuries. Head coach Chan Gailey provided updates.
“Bell doesn’t look good,” said Gailey. ”Urbik doesn’t look good. Caussin doesn’t look good. All of those were knees or ankles.”
Gailey said that Kamar Aiken, who suffered a shoulder injury, did return to the game and believes he should be okay. All four players will be re-evaluated on Monday.
Rinehart not on hand
A new absence at practice Friday was starting right guard Chad Rinehart.
Rinehart had practiced all week leading up to today (Friday), but was not on the practice field during the media viewing portion of practice. He’s been starting at right guard in place of Kraig Urbik, who has moved to center and started there the past two games.
Replacing Rinehart in the starting lineup at practice was Colin Brown.
Urbik to move to center next week
Bills head coach Chan Gailey was critical of his decision to put Andy Levitre at center to play his third position in five weeks on Buffalo’s offensive line Sunday. In the wake of accepting blame Gailey also indicated that Kraig Urbik is likely to man center next Sunday against the Jets.
“That’s probably the direction we’re going to have to go from here on out,” said Gailey when asked if Urbik would step into the pivot.
Urbik finished the Cowboys game at center two weeks ago. More importantly it will allow Andy Levitre to return to his more natural position of guard where he can be at his best.
Mixed bag on O-line
Tags: Chris Hairston, Demetrius Bell, Erik Pears, Kraig Urbik
The offensive line was getting shuffled around at Wednesday’s practice due to an unexpected absence.
Though preparations for Eric Wood were made with Andy Levitre in the pivot, Erik Pears was a surprise non-participant. Fortunately Demetrius Bell was back practicing along with Chris Hairston. For most of the media viewing portion of practice Hairston lined up at left tackle. Bell got work at left and right tackle. And Kraig Urbik saw a lot of work at right tackle during individual positions drills with Colin Brown lined up next to him at right guard.
Hopefully what is keeping Pears sidelined is nothing significant, otherwise the line could have a different player at every line position from opening day.
Dareus, 2 guards earn praise
Bills DL Marcell Dareus and guards Andy Levitre and Kraig Urbik earned high marks from the film reviewers and stat crunchers at Pro Football Focus for their performances against the Giants last Sunday.
In their words Marcell Dareus was dominant, which explains why he saw so many double teams come the second half of the game. Here’s what they wrote about Dareus’ game Sunday.
When you pick someone with the 3rd selection of the draft you don’t just want them to play solid football, you expect them to eventually take over games, and for the first time that is what Marcel Dareus (+5.1) did in this game. He’s put together “half” performances in the past; getting pressure but doing little as a run defender, but here he was the full package. He registered five hurries (of which one was nullified by a penalty) but importantly also gave Kevin Boothe more than he could handle in the running game.
PFF also had high praise for both Urbik and Levitre.
Urbik upgraded
After practicing on Friday the status of Bills OL Kraig Urbik has been upgraded.
Head coach Chan Gailey initially declared Urbik out for Sunday’s game in Cincinnati on Thursday, but on Friday after Urbik practice he was upgraded to doubtful. It’s still unlikely that he plays Sunday, meaning Chad Rinehart should start again for the Bills at right guard.
Urbik was limited in practice Friday.
Urbik dressed for practice
Tags: Kraig Urbik
Bills OL Kraig Urbik is dressed for practice for the first time in 2 weeks.
Urbik suffered a knee injury in Week 2. Head coach Chan Gailey said he did not come along enough this week to return to his starting right guard position.
It appears as though he’ll be limited today as he’s eased back into the practice setting, but it certainly bodes well for his chances of returning in Week 5.
Urbik not going to make it
OL Kraig Urbik, who missed last week’s game with a knee injury, was hoping to practice this week, but that has yet to happen and head coach Chan Gailey has pretty much ruled him out for Sunday’s game at Cincinnati.
“No, he’s not going to make it this week,” said Gailey of Urbik. ”We’ll have to wait one more week.”
That means Chad Rinehart will make his second straight start at right guard for Buffalo Sunday.
LB Morrison out for Sunday
Tags: Kelvin Sheppard, Kirk Morrison, Kraig Urbik, Terrence McGee
It looks like Terrence McGee (hamstring) and Kraig Urbik (knee) won’t be the only players out for Sunday’s game against the Patriots.
LB Kirk Morrison, who sustained a hamstring injury last week did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday this week and has been declared out for Sunday’s game. Morrison did practice sparingly Friday during individual position drills, but is only now just getting back into the swing of things.
Morrison’s absence could mean rookie Kelvin Sheppard could see some time on the field defensively this week in certain subpackages.
Friday practice update
Here are the Bills not participating in practice Friday.
Terrence McGee (hamstring)
Kraig Urbik (knee)
Urbik targeting next week
Bills starting right guard Kraig Urbik is out 2-4 weeks with a left knee injury, but he’s hoping to be on the short side of that prognosis.
“I’m looking to be back practicing by next week,” Urbik told Buffalobills.com. “My range of motion is coming along so hopefully it’ll be better next week.”
Naturally the team’s athletic training staff will have a lot to say about whether Urbik practices or not.
Urbik was injured in last Sunday’s game against Oakland. He was not on the practice field Wednesday. Chad Rinehart is expected to start at right guard in his place this Sunday against New England.
Urbik, Parrish out indefinitely
Tags: Chan Gailey, Kraig Urbik, Naaman Roosevelt, Roscoe Parrish
Sunday’s win for the Bills did not come without a price, RG Kraig Urbik and WR Roscoe Parrish are both out indefinitely after sustaining injuries against the Raiders.
“Kraig is going to be a few weeks and they’re re-evaluating Roscoe, but it’s going to be a while on Roscoe,” said Gailey. “Guys that we weren’t exactly planning on are going to have to come on and play.”
Urbik was replaced in the game by Chad Rinehart at right guard. Roscoe’s role was filled by David Nelson. With Parrish on the shelf for a while, Naaman Roosevelt figures to be a strong consideration for promotion to the active roster from the team’s practice squad.
Right side of O-line review
Tags: 2011 Bills Training Camp, Chad Rinehart, Chan Gailey, Chris Hairston, Cordaro Howard, Erik Pears, Kraig Urbik, Mansfield Wrotto
Bills head coach Chan Gailey was asked for his thoughts on the right side of Buffalo’s offensive line featuring newly appointed starters in Kraig Urbik at right guard and Erik Pears at right tackle.
“They’re pretty good communicators, but they’re not as comfortable as the guys on the other side communicating with each other,” said Gailey. ”But they’re getting better every day. I think that as they continue to work with each other I think things will get better and better.”
Gailey then added how they intend to work some other players in on that side of the line, indicating that things are far from set in stone.
“(Chad) Rinehart is going to work over there some and if (Chris) Hairston continues to get better every day it’s going to be a fight on that side of the line over there,” he said.
Performance in preseason games are likely to be a major determining factor. Mansfield Wrotto is another candidate as well as Cordaro Howard when he comes off the PUP list.
Top 3 inside on O-line
Tags: Andy Levitre, Eric Wood, Joe D'Alessandris, Kraig Urbik
Bills GM Buddy Nix said back in 2009 in preparation for the draft that spring they had Eric Wood, Andy Levitre and Kraig Urbik ranked as the top three guards in the class. Now they have all three. So it wasn’t surprising to see them as the three interior linemen on the starting line this morning with Levitre at left guard and Urbik at right. Wood manned center. It wouldn’t be surprising at all if they were the starting interior three linemen come September 11th.
“That could happen that way,” said Bills offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris. “I know this. Urbik has a bright future, Andy has a bright future and Eric does too. All three of them have some great, great skills and ability. Now the object is stay healthy and let the cream come to the top.”
Bills looking to add OT
Tags: Buddy Nix, Chad Rinehart, Erik Pears, Kraig Urbik, Mansfield Wrotto
Bills GM Buddy Nix in addressing those premium seat holders in attendance at the State of the Bills event in downtown Buffalo Monday night addressed the need to add an offensive tackle.
Nix only mentioned it in passing as he praised his pro personnel staff for adding some quality young linemen off waivers last season in Chad Rinehart, Kraig Urbik and Mansfield Wrotto, all of whom saw playing time last season and all of whom are under contract for next season.
”We also need another tackle,” said Nix. ”We need a tackle through the draft or through free agency, if and when that happens.”
Nix stated that they’re pretty pleased with what they got from Erik Pears late last season, another free agent pickup during the season as he appears to be the odds on favorite to land the starting right tackle job in 2011.
Fan Friday 2-11
Tags: Alex Carrington, Brad Butler, Da'Quan Bowers, Erik Pears, Fan Friday, Jake Locker, Kraig Urbik, Marcel Dareus, Paul Posluszny, Torell Troup
Into the offseason we go. Let’s hope things get resolved in short order with regard to a new deal and the 2011 season. In the meantime to your questions from AskChris@bills.nfl.net.
1 – With Nick Fairley saying that he doesn’t want a cold weather team do you see the Bills staying away from him even if he is available. Also do you see DaQuan Bowers or Marcell Dareus fitting our scheme better. I also understand that Fitz is our starter next year, but if Locker is there in the second could we really pass him up?
Russell from Idaho
CB: I think in all fairness to Fairley, being from Mobile and playing his entire career in the south cold weather is just something he doesn’t know about. Besides he doesn’t get to choose where he goes anyway. The Bills won’t ever shy away from drafting someone just because they might not be a fan of the cold. As much as Fairley might not like cold, I think in the grand scheme of things it’s a minor issue.
As for Bowers, there’s a question as to where he fits in a 3-4 scheme, which the Bills play. His ideal fit is as a 4-3 end. To his credit he does play the run well and at 6’4” 275 pounds he has a freakishly strong upper body. It’ll be interesting to see if the Bills or any other 3-4 team believes he could handle end in a 3-4 scheme. I don’t know if playing OLB in a 3-4 is in the cards for him.
Dareus would be a fit in any system. He could be a DT in a 4-3 or a 3-4 and he could be an end in a 3-4 as I see it.
With respect to Jake Locker, I just don’t see it. Great physical tools, but consistency in his game is an issue.
2 - Do you think the Bills can get two quality ILB’s through the draft and free agency…then move Paul Posluszny to an OLB role? Were that to happen…how do you think he stacks up against someone like Clay Matthews..or Bryce Paup? At least capable of a 10 sack season..playing opposite Merriman?
CB: The draft unfortunately is a bit thin at inside linebacker, but Buddy Nix told me that they need to add two this offseason either via draft, free agency or some combination therein. Even if they do add two I still believe Posluszny stays inside. I don’t see them moving Poz, whose best fit in my opinion is at ILB. He’s good at rushing through the gaps inside. I don’t see him as a 10 sack guy at OLB and as you mentioned they don’t need to make Poz that with Merriman out there.
3 – All the talk about drafting a DT/DE with the 3rd pick makes me wonder, did Torell Troup and Alex Carrington not pan out as the staff had hoped? I haven’t heard much about them heading into the offseason. Any updates from 1 Bills Dr. regarding those two?
Josh
Buffalo, NY
CB: I’ll let GM Buddy Nix explain the Bills position on this in his own words.
“Obviously you’ve got to have a big nose tackle,” said Nix in reference to the 3-4 scheme. “We drafted one last year. We’re happy with Troup. We’re happy with Carrington, we just need a couple of more now.”
Buffalo does have enough of a veteran presence on the defensive line with Dwan Edwards and Spencer Johnson. Marcus Stroud is going into his 11th season and John McCargo is unlikely to be back as I see it. So there will need to be new blood on that defensive line this year.
4 - Hey Chris,
How come we never see any Bills head coach on ESPN or NFL Network with a post game speech. It seems like we see every team but Buffalo. Do the Bills not allow NFL Films or any other media sources in the locker room immediately after the game?
D Fischer
Rochester, NY
CB: First, I believe NFL Films has the right to be in any postgame locker room by authority of the league. Second, the Bills haven’t had too many landmark wins that ESPN or NFL Network has felt are worthy to air. Once Gailey and his staff get this thing turned around there will hopefully be more notable victories that are worth publicizing on the major networks.
5 - Chris
The offensive line seems to have gained depth this year with much of it in the middle. Any chance of one of the starters moving out to right tackle? Also, Brad Butler has had a year to recover and rest. Any signs that he may want to return to football? Thanks.
Mark in Prospect, KY
CB: The Bills have assembled some depth on the interior thanks in large part to Asst. GM Doug Whaley and his pro scouting staff. That’s why I think there’s a real chance that Eric Wood and Geoff Hangartner compete for the starting center role with Kraig Urbik the likely starter at right guard. At right tackle I believe the odds on favorite to start there is Erik Pears.
I haven’t spoken to Brad, but I did see him recently and all indications I’ve gotten from those close to him is that he’s happy with his decision to retire. I think he’s just got other irons in the fire so to speak.
